Simeone answers Atlético's striker crisis with one word: “Team”

Atlético de Madrid visit the Sánchez Pizjuán this weekend with a depleted forward line and one clear question on the table: who will score without Alexander Sorloth or Julián Álvarez. The Norwegian's injury and the Argentine's tense push to leave the club leave Diego Simeone with Ademola Lookman as the only pure striker, a player who actually performs better starting from the flank.

• Sorloth is injured and Simeone admits his absence hurts the team.
• Julián Álvarez remains locked in a battle to leave Atlético de Madrid.
• Simeone only has Lookman as a pure striker for the match in Seville.
• Atlético have scored four goals in two games without Lookman finding the net.
• Kang-In Lee, Álex Baena, Pubill and Giuliano Simeone have shared the scoring load.

Atlético de Madrid's striker problem ahead of the Sevilla match

The start of the season has put Atlético in an uncomfortable position up front. Sorloth's injury reduces the options of an attack already conditioned by the tension surrounding Julián Álvarez. With the World Cup winner fighting to leave, Simeone must rebuild his forward line in a demanding setting like the Sánchez Pizjuán.

Lookman appears as the only clear alternative in the central role, although his profile is better suited to starting on the wing. To complete that attacking area, the Argentine coach will turn to Kang-In Lee and Giuliano Simeone, two players with movement, late runs and the ability to arrive from deeper positions.

“Alex's injury hurts us, he is extremely important for us. It worsens even more with what is happening with Julián.”

How Simeone shares the goals without Sorloth and Julián Álvarez

Despite the setbacks, Atlético have found answers in the opening weeks of LaLiga. The team has scored four goals in two rounds, two per game, without Lookman getting on the scoresheet. The scoring responsibility has been spread widely: Kang-In Lee, Álex Baena, Pubill and Giuliano Simeone have all found the net.

That distribution is no accident. Simeone works to ensure attacking production comes from the collective unit rather than a single reference point. The coach believes the solution to the current moment lies in generating situations as a team and understanding what is happening in attack.

“How do we solve it? Collectively, the team is looking for situations to create chances. We are working with them to understand what is happening to us. We have to overcome it together.”

A high-flying Sevilla makes Atlético's visit even harder

The opponent does not invite optimism either. Simeone expects a Sevilla side that has started LaLiga strongly and shows clear traits of its coach. The Atlético manager warns about the energy the Sánchez Pizjuán crowd will bring and points out that his team arrives after two demanding matches.

“They have the coach's characteristics, they started LaLiga very strong. Their fans will give them a lot of energy. We are coming off two important matches, and we are going to face a difficult game.”

The striker Simeone wants for Atlético de Madrid

The coach's request is nothing new. Simeone has already called for a top-level striker, a profile that decides matches and delivers what is currently spread across several names. Asked about that demand and the type of player he needs, his answer was firm and pointed to the profiles that are not available right now.

“The Julián Álvarezes and the Sorloths.”

Frequently asked questions about Atlético de Madrid's forward line